Sazon Seasoning Recipe

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This homemade Sazon seasoning recipe is about to become your new favorite in the kitchen. If you are looking to add a vibrant color and savory depth to your rice, beans, or grilled meats, this easy blend does it all. It comes together in just minutes using spices you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients for the Sazon Seasoning

Garlic Powder: Provides that essential savory base that makes the seasoning so versatile.
Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that is characteristic of many Latin American dishes.
Ground Coriander: This brings a light, slightly citrusy flavor that balances the heavier spices.
Turmeric: I use this for its brilliant golden color and mild, earthy flavor. It is a great pantry-friendly alternative to Annatto.
Oregano: Adds a herbal, aromatic element to the mix.
Paprika: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the color profile.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors and making the other spices pop.

How to Make Homemade Sazon Seasoning

Measure: Gather all your spices. Being precise with the measurements ensures the balance of flavors is just right.
Mix: Add all the ingredients into a small jar or bowl. Whisk them together or put the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until the color is uniform.
Store: Transfer the blend to an airtight spice jar. Label it and store it in your pantry away from direct heat or sunlight.

Storage and Shelf Life

Since this Sazon seasoning recipe relies entirely on dried spices, it is naturally shelf-stable and easy to keep on hand. The most important step is to keep moisture out of the mixture to prevent clumping.
I recommend transferring your finished Sazon blend into a small glass spice jar or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Labeling the jar with the date you made it is always a good idea so you know exactly how fresh it is.
You should store the Sazon container in a cool and dark place, such as a pantry or a cupboard that is away from the stove. Heat and humidity from cooking can cause the spices to lose their potency much faster.
When stored correctly, this homemade seasoning will stay fresh for about 6 months to a year. A good rule of thumb is to give it a quick sniff before using it. If the aroma is strong and vibrant, it is good to go. If the scent is faint or dusty, it is probably time to mix up a fresh batch.
Because this homemade Sazon seasoning version does not contain anti-caking agents like the store-bought packets, you might notice the powder hardening slightly over time. This is completely normal. Just give the jar a good shake or break it up with a fork before measuring.

Ways to Use Sazon Seasoning

While this blend is famous for making yellow rice and beans taste amazing, it is actually one of the most versatile tools you can have in your pantry. Since it is salt-based, you can use it almost anywhere you would use standard salt and pepper to add an extra layer of savory flavor.

Rice and Grains The most classic way to use this blend is in rice dishes. It gives white rice that brilliant yellow color and savory taste. It is essential for making dishes like my Arroz Mamposteao.
Grilled Meats This seasoning makes a fantastic dry rub. It works exceptionally well on chicken thighs, pork chops, or skirt steak. I like to rub it generously onto the meat before throwing it on the smoker or grill. The cumin and garlic create a delicious crust over the fire.
Roasted Vegetables If you want to make plain vegetables exciting for the whole family, try tossing them in olive oil and a tablespoon of this mix. It pairs very well with roasted potatoes, cauliflower, onions, and bell peppers.
Soups and Stews You can stir a teaspoon or two into chicken soup, beef stew, or chili. The turmeric adds a warm color to the broth, while the coriander and oregano add depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Breakfast Scrambles For a quick flavor boost in the morning, try sprinkling a pinch over scrambled eggs or into an omelet. It pairs well with peppers and onions for a western-style breakfast.

FAQ's

What is Sazon seasoning?

Sazon is a savory spice blend popular in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. It typically features coriander, cumin, garlic, and a spice for color (like annatto or turmeric). It is an all-purpose seasoning used in rice, beans, soups, and meats.

Is Sazon seasoning spicy?

Not usually. This blend focuses on savory, earthy flavors rather than heat. If you prefer a kick, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.

How long does homemade Sazon last?

If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard), this seasoning blend will stay fresh for up to 6 months to a year.

Why is my Sazon yellow instead of red?

Many store-bought packets use artificial dyes or Annatto seeds to get a bright red color. This recipe uses Turmeric, which provides a beautiful golden-yellow hue and great health benefits.

How much of this blend equals one packet?

Generally, one store-bought packet of Sazon contains about 1.5 teaspoons of seasoning. You can use that ratio when substituting this homemade version in other recipes.

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